His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the Dubai Gaming Retreat, organized by the Dubai Media Council, where he met representatives of 80 leading local and international gaming companies.

His Highness was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The retreat brought together government entities and key industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, identify common priorities, and explore initiatives that will help shape the next phase of Dubai’s gaming sector.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that Dubai’s success has always been driven by its ability to anticipate the future and turn ambition into reality. Building on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai continues to create an environment where the industries of tomorrow can grow, talent can thrive, and Dubai-based ventures can lead a new era of economic growth.

His Highness added that the future of the gaming sector will be built through strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. He noted that Dubai’s ambition is not only to attract the world’s leading companies, but also to create an environment where the next generation of global gaming companies can emerge from the emirate.

For his part, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said Dubai continues to strengthen its media ecosystem by investing in industries that are shaping the future. He noted that gaming represents one of the sector’s most significant opportunities, opening new avenues for talent, investment, and innovation.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed added that the Dubai Gaming Retreat reflects Dubai’s commitment to working with stakeholders to accelerate growth, deepen collaboration, and build one of the world’s most dynamic gaming ecosystems. He also said that expanding gaming’s contribution to Dubai’s economy supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for digital technologies and the creative economy.

The retreat was attended by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council; Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council; His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the Dubai Gaming Committee; senior government officials; Hesham Al Olama, CEO of the Dubai Films and Games Commission; and representatives of leading gaming companies, developers, publishers, esports organizations, and investors.

Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri said that the strength of Dubai’s media sector has always been built on collaboration and a commitment to innovation. She noted that gaming offers an opportunity to write the next chapter of that story, with the ambition of making Dubai a place where the future of gaming is imagined, built, and shared with the world.

She added that Dubai aims to provide an environment where ideas can be transformed into global success stories. She also highlighted that one of the sector’s greatest strengths is the growing community around it, united by creativity, collaboration, and the belief that the next generation of global enterprises can emerge from Dubai.

The Dubai Gaming Retreat provided a platform for this community to discuss the future of the sector together. Discussions focused on five strategic priorities: talent, governance and regulation, funding, marketing, and infrastructure. These priorities are expected to help shape future policies, partnerships, and initiatives that support the continued growth of Dubai’s gaming ecosystem.

The retreat reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in future-focused industries and to support the development of a competitive gaming ecosystem that connects government, industry leaders, investors, developers, publishers, and creative talent.